Belated happy Labor Day! I used to get confused as to why we celebrate Labor Day and then, for most of us, it is a holiday! I did some research on this topic and learned a lot. Labor Day, in the beginning, was recognized and celebrated based on the labor unions' contribution to the labor unions' higher standard of living. Aha! The first Labor Day Parade took place in New York City in 1892. It began as a festival for workers and their families. The first Monday in September was selected as a legal holiday for Labor Day. President Woodrow Wilson was involved in this new celebration. Unions marched in parades in the 50's and 60's. It began as a day for families to relax and have fun with their children. Children even marched in these parades. Today families use this weekend as their last fling with summer or have family picnics. How did you spend this holiday?

I recently encountered Jane and Mary Evins in town last week. Jane Leonard is a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and Mary Overton is a professor at MTSU. It's rewarding to see these gals, daughters of the late Congressman Joe L. Evins and Ann, still connect with their hometown. I mentioned their gazbo they built in the Evins Park, near the Post Office. Thanks

Get-well wishes to Lewis Conklin, Hoyte Odom, Kim Luton, Jerry Williams, Betty Bailiff, Hilda Meyers and Linda Judkins.

Happy birthday the first part of September to Stuart Brown, Suzie Mitchell, Elene Hayes, W.J. Poss, Dallas Johnson, Bill Little, Wendy Humphrey, Derrick Colwell, Paul Parsley, Nate Sherwood, Peggy Hendrixson, Kerry Robinson, Max Pafford, Dorothy Puckett, Maggi Turner, Cindi Dias, Tanya Howard, Tina Gash, Christie young, Kelli Bullard, and Bill Luton.

I had a celebration at Dekalb Community Hospital last Friday for a test. Assisting Dr. Cripps were Shannon, Ashley, C.D., another nurse and Sarah who sat with me in recovery. Everyone was super nice. They took my anxiety off me that morning. Thanks to the whole staff. I got a good report.

Upcoming events: There will be a service at First Methodist on Sept. 11 in memory of 9/ll at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to remember this day in our sorrow and loss with renewed Hope for the future. (2) Also the free health screenings(hearing, BP tests) fingerprinting and more at the County Complex on Sept. 6, 10-2 p.m. (3)Tenn. State Fair, Nashville, Sept. 5-14. (I remember going to the State Fair one year when I lived in Nashville with my parents.

When we got home that night, living on the apt. 2nd floor, we looked out and could see flames. After we left the fair, it got on fire. ...No, I didn't start it!!!)

Thought of the week: " The phrase " do not be afraid" is written in the Bible 365 times. That's a daily reminder from God to live every day fearless. Amen